Police Seize More than 3,600 Illegal Firearms in 2014

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy announced Chicago Police have seized more than 3,600 illegal firearms to date in 2014. Superintendent McCarthy was joined by police command staff, including Grand Crossing (3rd) District Commander James Jones, in calling for stronger state gun laws and discussing illegal gun recoveries.

“We will continue implementing our policing strategy in close coordination with our community partners, and the City will continue investing in prevention programs, but we all know there is much more work to be done,” said Superintendent McCarthy. “Our efforts will continue until every Chicago resident enjoys the same sense of safety, but to truly address gun violence we need stronger gun laws to keep illegal guns off our streets out of our communities.”

Chicago Police recover more illegal guns than officers in any city in the country, and the Superintendent renewed his call for better state and federal laws to help keep illegal guns out of our communities

Several noteworthy incidents this past week highlight the efforts of Chicago Police officers to recover illegal firearms in the City and increase public safety. In the Grand Crossing (3rd) District alone, several people were arrested and charged with gun offenses after police investigations revealed them to be in possession of firearms illegally. These incidents also serve as a reminder of the dangers police officers are confronted with every day.

Grand Crossing District (3rd) tactical officers, while conducting a violence suppression mission, observed an 18-year-old male subject walking on street in the company of two other males. Officers further observed the subject adjusting an object in his front waistband.

Officers approached the subject to conduct a field interview. Further investigation led to the recovery of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with 10 live rounds. The 18-year-old, a documented gang-member, was arrested and charged with Aggravated UUW.

In an unrelated incident, Grand Crossing (3rd) officers observed a male subject riding a bike in a Chicago Park after closing hours. Officers stopped the subject to investigate and discovered him to be in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The 37-year-old male was placed in custody and charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon.

In yet another incident, Grand Crossing (3rd) officers responded to a call of “person with a gun” in the vicinity of 66th Street and Stony Island Avenue. Upon arrival, officers spoke with two victims who stated a man had threatened them with a gun. Officer were able to locate and positively identify the offender and a subsequently custodial search led to the recovery of a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun with 14 live rounds of ammunition. The offender was ultimately charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault as well as Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon.